Beef and Lentil Soup

This Beef and Lentil Soup recipe is a delicious and nourishing way to incorporate lentils into your meals. Lentils are a nutritious legume that provide a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. This soup combines extra-lean ground beef, vegetables, lentils, and flavorful seasonings to create a hearty and satisfying dish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound (455 g) extra-lean ground beef
• 1 cup (160 g) chopped onion
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup (130 g) sliced carrot
• 1 cup (100 g) sliced celery
• 1 cup (192 g) dry lentils
• 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium beef broth
• 1 can (14 ounces, or 400 g) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

PREPARATION:

1. In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, brown the extra-lean ground beef. Drain any excess fat.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the browned beef, chopped onion, cubed potatoes, sliced carrot, sliced celery, dry lentils, low-sodium beef broth, no-salt-added diced tomatoes, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the lentils to become tender.

YIELD:

• 8 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 394 g water; 264 calories (35% from fat, 26% from protein, 38% from carb)
• 17 g protein; 10 g total fat; 4 g saturated fat; 4 g monounsaturated fat; 1 g polyunsaturated fat
• 26 g carb; 5 g fiber; 4 g sugar; 228 mg phosphorus; 60 mg calcium; 4 mg iron; 177 mg sodium
• 978 mg potassium; 2814 IU vitamin A; 0 mg ATE vitamin E; 16 mg vitamin C; 39 mg cholesterol

This Beef and Lentil Soup recipe is a comforting and nutritious dish that incorporates the goodness of lentils into a hearty soup. Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which contribute to feelings of fullness and help stabilize blood sugar levels. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals, making them a valuable addition to any diet.

The combination of extra-lean ground beef, vegetables, lentils, and beef broth creates a flavorful and satisfying soup. The ground beef adds a savory element to the dish, while the onions, potatoes, carrots, and celery provide texture and depth of flavor. The lentils not only add a nutty taste but also lend a creamy texture as they cook down.

Using a slow cooker for this recipe allows the flavors to develop and the ingredients to meld together over a long cooking time. The result is a rich and comforting soup that is perfect for cooler days or when you’re in need of a nourishing and filling meal.

Each serving of this Beef and Lentil Soup provides a good amount of protein (17 grams) and dietary fiber (5 grams), which can help support muscle growth and maintenance and promote healthy digestion. The soup is relatively low in fat and saturated fat, making it a nutritious option for those aiming to maintain a healthy diet.

With its yield of 8 servings, this recipe is ideal for meal prepping or feeding a family. The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for future use, allowing you to enjoy this delicious soup at any time.

In conclusion, this Beef and Lentil Soup recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate lentils into your diet while enjoying a flavorful and comforting meal. Its combination of beef, lentils, vegetables, and seasonings creates a well-balanced and nourishing dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Give it a try and savor the delicious flavors and nutritional benefits of this hearty soup.